“The biggest advancement I’ve seen in pediatrics since I began practicing medicine is the development of the Hib vaccine,” says Dr. Kenneth Cohen of Town & Country Pediatrics, a Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates office. “What was once among the most common conditions for children in the ICU almost doesn’t exist today because of vaccines.”
Until the mid ’80s, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) struck 1 out of 200 U.S. children under age five. A major cause of bacterial meningitis, it also led to cases of pneumonia, epiglottitis (swelling in the throat that can cause choking), cellulitis of the eye, joint infections and other problems.
While most vaccines require several doses, many can be combined with others to reduce the number of shots given. Before the age of two, youngsters typically visit the doctor at least five times for vaccines. They need to return for additional shots between the ages of 4 and 6 and again between 11 and 12.
Hib is just one of 12 serious diseases children are protected against with vaccines:
• Hepatitis A & B
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis (Whooping cough)
• Tetanus (Lockjaw)
• Pneumococcal disease (causes bacterial meningitis and blood infections)
• Polio
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella (German measles)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
